New Holiday in Canada?

Shawnee Love • August 23, 2018

The federal government recently announced a new public holiday to mark the terrible legacy of residential schools. This holiday was a recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which our current government has decided to act on.

While I have no complaints with the idea, as an advisor to small businesses and an owner of a small business myself, another holiday to pay for in light of all the other taxes and costs the government keeps shifting to employers is a tough pill to swallow.

Even so, it will be what it will be, and it is best to be prepared than to have it take you by surprise.

Currently this holiday has yet to be given a date, so there is some time to become accustomed to the new reality. Moreover, it will be enacted first federally, which means it won’t be mandatory for provincially regulated employers until their provinces follow suit.

Wondering whether you are provincially regulated? Hint, most employers in Canada are regulated provincially outside of the transportation, banking, and communication industries. For a full list of federally regulated industries, click here.)

Once we know the date, and you have ascertained it applies to you, it is time to plan for it by:

Updating policies,

Arranging schedules for staff and operations,

Advising employees, customers, and suppliers regarding whether you will be open on the holiday.

Any questions about how to handle statutory holidays, we are here to help!